As a cosplayer, I’ve tried many different wig styles over the years. Some attach as easily as just clipping it in, and others involve glue, braids, bun anchors and more. I love how wigs can really change your look. I even have wigs that look like my regular hair, on a good day, because it will stand up to the Florida heat and still look good hours later. My real hair usually just falls flat as soon as I step out the door. So here are five different styles of wigs and how to wear them.

Let’s start with normal looking me with my real hair, after fixing it to look nice. It will look like this for maybe 30 minutes, or until I step out into the humidity. Now let’s have some fun and show how different wigs can really change your look!

* Amazon links are affiliate links where I may earn a small commission if products are purchased. You can see all my favorite cosplay finds and shoppable photos on my Amazon Finds Page.

Understanding Different Wig Styles

Full Coverage Wigs

This is the most common wig style and covers your entire head. The cheaper ones will just be a net on the inside, the nicer ones will have little hooks around the bottom to adjust the size, and sometimes little combs around the hairline to keep it secure. I often sew combs into the wigs that don’t come with them. It helps keep the wig from sliding off my head.

The wig shown here is by Leg Avenue. Click here to find it on Amazon.

Half Wig / Wig Piece

A wig hair piece can be anything from a full cap to a little circle of hair. It goes half-way back on your head, so your real hair shows in front. It makes it look like you suddenly have tons of hair and is very realistic looking!

The best way to secure these in is to make a small braid across the top of your head, similar to the cornrow style you use to attached crochet twists. But instead if crocheting or sewing in the hair, you use the braid as an anchor for the small combs. If you can’t do a braid, you can also spray it with a little hairspray and backcomb to give the combs something to hold onto. If your wig doesn’t have little combs you can sew those in just under the edge of the wig. You can also use a million bobby pins. I often use a combo of both!

Clip-on Ponytail

The easiest of all! You can attach these to any hair length as long as you can make a little ponytail or bun for it to attach to and you just clamp it right into your hair.

Dread Falls

I love the look of these and have them in several different colors. Most of mine were custom made by Queen Goths Coiffs. These are attached to two little buns on the top of your head. Usually a headband or goggles covers where it is anchored on your head, so it looks like a smooth transition. I suggest looking for people handmaking these on Etsy!

Lace Front Wig

One of my new favorite wig styles is a lace front. It comes with a fine lace or mesh attached to the front. You trim that short, then use a special wig glue to glue it to the skin close to your hairline. These give the most realistic look because it creates a new hairline. They also stay attached really well and are really comfortable because you don’t have any pins poking you or a tight ponytail. The style I’m wearing here is the Riglamour Wavy Short Blond Wig

Check out my post on How to Wear a Lace Front Wig for more info on this style.

I have drawers of wigs in all different colors and styles. If you take good care of them they can last years and still look good. And they aren’t just for costumes! But they certainly make any look a little more dressed up.

About the Author

Candy Keane is a digital content creator and long-time cosplayer, most well-known for being on the cover of the Star Wars documentary Jedi Junkies. After making costumes professionally for over a decade, she now writes about geek culture and mom life, and continues to cosplay for fun, while sharing her love of costumes on Instagram @SewGeekMama. Her first children’s book, I’m Going to My First Comic Convention, was published in 2020 and won a Story Monsters Approved award for Excellence in Literature.

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